More sad soul news … Motown drummer URIEL JONES has died in Dearborn, Michigan from post heart attack complications… he was 74. JONES, who was born on 13th June, 1934 in Detroit, joined the Motown family in 1964 after touring with the MARVIN GAYE road band. He was GAYE’S drummer of choice on studio hits like ‘Ain’t That Peculiar’ and ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ and his playing soon won the ear of NORMAN WHITFIELD who used him extensively during his tenure as producer for the TEMPTATIONS. JONES was one of three regular Motown Snake Pit drummers. Along with BENNY BENJAMIN and ‘PISTOL’ ALLEN, his drumming became an integral part of the Motown session band sound. The sessioneers were soon dubbed ‘THE FUNK BROTHERS’ and true Motown anoraks can easily pick out by ear which drummer played on which track. Motown arranger PAUL RISER was particularly fond of JONES’ easy style – “Uriel’s drum sound was the most open and laid-back, and he was the funkiest of the three guys we had. He had a mixed feel and did a lot of different things well.” JONES – and indeed all the Motown studio musicians – remained largely anonymous until the release in 2003 of the ‘Standing In The Shadows Of Motown’ movie. The film, of course, focused on the artistry and accomplishments of the FUNK BROTHERS and, on the back of the movie, those of the band still alive toured extensively to huge critical and popular acclaim. JONES’ death leaves just four original FUNK BROTHERS alive.
